Recorded Interview With Nello Sera, CFO
Nello Sera, CFO and Board Director of Scientia Holdings Property Fund (Pty) Ltd, is a seasoned financial leader whose career has been defined by precision, adaptability, and a forward-thinking approach to private equity. Over his 11 years in the industry, Nello has carefully crafted a reputation for creating reliable financial solutions and putting to use debt structures to increase growth and profitability. Reflecting on his journey, Nello emphasizes how his diverse background, spanning private equity, venture capital, and real estate, has provided him with a understanding of managing capital across a range of sectors. His academic grounding in management accounting, paired with his involvement in programs like the professional memberships with ICB and IQB, has equipped him with the expertise to navigate market dynamics. Nello’s commitment to effective, precise and scalable financial strategies has been integral to Scientia’s growth and its ability to secure investments.
Since joining Scientia, Nello has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s financial direction, overseeing capital allocation, and ensuring secured risk management across its growing portfolio. He has successfully structured and managed transactions, consistently driving returns for investors while minimizing exposure to unnecessary risks. Speaking about his role, Nello describes his primary focus as balancing financial discipline with effective decision making, ensuring that every investment decision aligns with both short-term objectives and long-term fund goals. His expertise in financial modeling, debt structuring, and capital raising has allowed Scientia to execute transactions that not only meet but exceed stakeholder expectations.
Nello’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration and transparency, two values he believes are essential for maintaining investor trust and organizational integrity. “Private equity is a relationship-driven business,” he explains. “The numbers matter, but so do the relationships behind those numbers.” At Scientia, Nello ensures that the firm’s strategies are fully aligned with the interests of its investors, providing clear and consistent communication about performance, risks, and opportunities. He credits his success to his ability to think strategically while paying meticulous attention to detail, a skill set that has earned him recognition within the community. His approach ensures that every decision is grounded in reliable and vetted insights, creating a solid foundation for resilience and growth.
One of Nello’s standout qualities is his ability to adapt to financial landscapes. He has overseen Scientia’s transition from a firm focused primarily on property investments to one that now targets mid-market companies across sectors such as technology, healthcare, and industrials. This shift, he explains, was driven by a desire to diversify the firm’s portfolio and capitalize on opportunities in high-growth sectors. “The key to staying competitive in private equity is understanding where the market is headed and being prepared to pivot,” he says. Nello’s ability to anticipate market trends and adjust strategies accordingly has been a main driver of Scientia’s success, enabling the firm to remain agile and competitive in a challenging economic environment.
Beyond his technical expertise, Nello is deeply committed to creating a culture of mentorship and development within Scientia. He views his role as CFO not just as a financial steward but also as a mentor to the next generation of finance professionals. “I want to create a legacy where financial excellence meets ethical leadership,” he shares. Nello actively invests time in developing young talent within the firm, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel. He also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, advocating for diversity in finance as a driver of better decision-making . His leadership has helped cultivate a team that shares Scientia’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and impact.
Looking ahead, Nello envisions Scientia expanding its footprint across both Southern Africa and international markets, with a focus on building a balanced and diversified portfolio. He is particularly excited about opportunities in renewable energy, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure, sectors he believes are poised for significant growth. Nello’s long-term goal is to solidify Scientia’s reputation as a leader in private equity, known for its disciplined financial management and commitment to sustainable investing. “At Scientia, we’re not just looking for growth, we’re looking for way to perform with transformative growth,” he says. With Nello at the financial helm, Scientia is well-positioned to drive & work through the complexities of the private equity landscape while delivering noticeable & impressive results for its investors and stakeholders.